‘Frankenstorm’ Shaping Up To Slam East Coast

Hurricane Sandy — continuing to head north and bearing down on the Bahamas this afternoon with 105 mph winds — could set a “historical precedent” along the East Coast, forecasters warn, if the worst were to happen early next week.

This October surprise mixes a cold front coming in from the west, Arctic air coming down from the north, a jet stream that will “capture” the storm, a full moon, plenty of leaves on the trees — and a wind-whipping Sandy.

It could all add up to $1 billion in damage, experts fear.

“This is a very serious, powerful storm,” said meteorologist Charlie Foley with the National Weather Service in Taunton. “It has the potential to cause the loss of life.”